Jeb Burns
Chief Investment Officer, MERS
Jeb Burns is the Chief Investment Officer for MERS. He joined MERS in February of 2001.

As a member of the system’s senior management team, Jeb is responsible for managing more than $6.2 billion dollars in combined pension assets and all portfolio management activities. He serves as the fund's principal investment consultant.

Jeb brings a unique combination of public sector and financial services experience to MERS. He was formerly employed as a financial advisor with Prudential Securities. Jeb began his public sector career with the State of Michigan. He held positions as a Public Policy Analyst with the Department of Natural Resources, a Legislative and Communications Specialist with the Department of Management and Budget, and as a Senior Budget Analyst with the State Budget Office. There he was responsible for developing the Governor's Executive Budget recommendation.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Western Michigan University and a Master of Public Administration from Wayne State University with a concentration in Public Policy. Jeb is a member of the National Association of State Investment Officers, serves on the American Cancer Society's Great Lakes Division Investment Workgroup and the Michigan State University, Eli Broad College of Business, Finance Department Advisory Board.

Jamison Smythe
Senior Investments Officer And Portfolio Manager, MERS
Jamison Smythe is the Senior Investments Officer and Portfolio Manager for MERS. He is a member of the portfolio review committee and is responsible for the research and preparation of the asset allocation analysis. As a portfolio manager, Jamison has established and continues to manage the passive equity index strategy as well as a portfolio of short-term Fixed Income assets of the fund.

Jamison began his service with MERS in 1996 as an Investment Analyst and has spent time working with nearly every aspect of this pension portfolio. Previously, he worked for the State of Michigan’s Bureau of Investments and has more than 13 years’ experience in public pension fund investment management.

Jamison earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Grand Valley State University and holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Michigan. 

Robert R. Griffin
Investment Product Specialist, MERS
Bob Griffin is the Investment Product Specialist and a Portfolio Manager for MERS. He is a member of the portfolio review committee, is responsible for directing the sales and marketing effort for the MERS Investment Services Program and managing a $100 million fixed income portfolio. Bob joined MERS in June of 2007.

Bob previously worked as an Institutional Sales person at Griffin, Kubik, Stephens, & Thompson and brings valuable insight from the sales side of the industry. Bob holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Leadership and Communication from Trinity International University and Series 7 & 63 Licenses.

Michael Charette
Investment Officer And Portfolio Manager, MERS
Michael Charette is an Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager for MERS. Mike is responsible for MERS Private Equity and Commodities portfolio. He also manages a $140M fixed income portfolio.

Mike joined MERS in September 2002 as an Investment Analyst and was promoted to his current position in 2005. He previously worked as an Investment Analyst with Kennedy Capital Advisors, an Institutional Investment Consulting firm in Atlanta, GA.

Mike is a graduate of Georgia Tech, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management with certificates in Finance and Accounting. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst Charter holder and a member of West Michigan Society of Financial Analysts. Mike is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Michigan.

Jaime Mauppin
Investment Officer And Portfolio Manager, MERS
Jaime Mauppin is an Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager for MERS. She manages a Short Term Cash portfolio averaging $250 million and oversees a 7% Real Estate allocation, which includes global REIT’s, private real estate, and timber. Jaime is also responsible for all financial reporting within the Office of Investments and supervises all operational and compliance activities. She serves as a member of the Portfolio Review Committee.

Jaime first joined MERS in September 2003 as an Investment Intern. MERS hired her as an Investment Analyst after she graduated in December 2003. She was promoted to her current position in September 2005.

Jaime graduated with high honors from the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Finance. Jaime is a candidate for the Level III CFA exam.

Claudia Konieczny
Investment Analyst, MERS
Claudia Konieczny currently holds the position of Investment Analyst. She is responsible for directing internal investment research projects. Claudia participates in the Portfolio Review Committee, the office’s investment policy arm, and serves as staff support at all Investment Committee meetings. She also maintains the day to day trade operations and quarterly reporting, and monitors the update of materials for the Investment Services Program, Marketing, and Investments Web site.

Claudia joined the Office of Investments in 2005. She formerly worked in the Office of Employee and Retiree Services, and brings key aspects of the benefit and pension administration to MERS.

Claudia received a Bachelor in Arts from Michigan State University in English Literature and has a cognate in business. She has also taken courses in legal studies. Claudia is a member of the National Association of State Investment Professionals.

Mike Schrauben
Investment Analyst, MERS
Mike Schrauben is an Investment Analyst for MERS. He joined MERS in January 2008 after interning with the Office of Investments for one and a half years. Mike assists with the management of the enhanced equity index funds, the emerging manager program, and the portfolio’s risk model.

Mike holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance from the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University. He was a member of the Financial Markets Institute, as well as the Honors College while at Michigan State.

Mike is a CFA Level I candidate and will be sitting for the exam in June 2008.

Karen Strickland
Department Coordinator, Office Of Investments, MERS
Karen joined MERS Office of Investments as Department Coordinator in January of 2007. She maintains the Investments calendar, coordinates all department activities and provides administrative support to the Chief Investment Officer. Karen supervises the MERS Investment Intern Program and serves on the Employee Advisory Council, the Records Management Committee, and the Administrative Assistant Work Group.

Prior to coming to MERS, Karen worked in the Michigan House of Representatives for more than 20 years, and brings a wealth of governmental, legislative and political experience to her duties.

She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Central Michigan University.